Handbook

The Alabama Compulsory Attendance Law requires all children, regardless of age, attending an Alabama public school comply with the Alabama Compulsory Attendance Laws (PreK through 12th grade). Mobile County Public School students who fail to attend school each day will be subject to the following procedures:

1.      When a student misses a day of school and upon the student’s return to school, the parent must send; within three days, a written not explaining the cause of the absence. A failure to furnish such an explanation shall be evidence of the child being truant each day he is absent.

2.      An excessive amount of absences due to illness, without doctor’s notes, will not be excused.

3.      Student absences will be excused with a parent’s note for up to ten (10) absences.

4.      Parents must submit doctor’s note after the 10th absence.

Unexcused Absences

1.      The parents/guardians of any student who has ONE UNEXCUSED ABSENCE will receive a letter or telephone call from the school.

2.      The parents/guardians of any student who has TWO UNEXCUSED ABSENCES will receive a letter or telephone call from the Attendance Officer.

3.      The parent/guardian and student will be referred to the Early Warning Truancy Program on the 5th unexcused absence and on the 15th tardy to school. Referral to the program includes the following steps:



-  The parent will receive official notification by U.S. Mail. The notice will require the parent and student to report to the Municipal Court located at the City/County Government Plaza.

- The parent and student will meet with the Attendance Officer and the District Attorney. The Attendance Officer will review the system’s Attendance Policy; the District Attorney will review the State of Alabama’s Attendance Laws and consequences of breaking the laws.

-If the parent and student fail to appear at the scheduled Early Warning Truancy Program, the parent may receive legal notice and a court referral.

If excessive absences are due to a chronic illness, parents are asked to complete a chronic illness form, take it to the child’s doctor to obtain verification and signatures, and return it to the school. This information will be kept on file at the school and used along with doctor’s notes to assigned missed days as excused.

Tardiness

It is critical that students get to school on time. The instructional day begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. When students come late, they miss that instruction which cannot be made up. A pattern of tardiness can and will create academic problems for students. An occasional tardy will be excused.

If for some reason your child is late for school, parents and students are asked to follow the following procedures:

- Students must report to the office to receive a tardy slip. Students will not be allowed to enter the classroom without a tardy slip.

- Because teachers are not on duty, the parent/guardian must accompany their child to the office.

- Parents will be asked to provide a reason for tardiness.

Remember!!!

- Consistent and chronic tardiness can be considered parental neglect.

- Excessive tardiness will be referred to the Attendance Officer. Attendance Officer will report excessive tardiness to the Early Warning Truancy Center Program.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

The students at Indian Springs will have many opportunities to participate and be involved in civic activities. We believe those activities will enhance each student’s education, build character, and promote service to others. Some of these activities include:

Student Government Association (SGA)

Students are introduced to politics through the Student Government Association. They campaign for offices and vote in actual voting booths. The SGA sponsors several civic activities each year.

Engaging Youth in Engineering (EYE)

Fourth and fifth grade students will participate in activities that will increase critical thinking and problem solving. Students will have hands-on-activities to promote their awareness of how math and science work together to solve problems. EYE is an afterschool program.

National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) (Isum Richardson Chapter)

The NEHS was established in 2008 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) in cooperation with the National Association of Elementary Schhol Principals (NAESP) to recognize elementary students in both public and non-public schools for their outstanding academic achievement and demonstrated personal responsibility, to provide meaningful service to the school and community, and to develop essential leadership skills.


Boy Scouts

Students can sign-up for Boy Scouts in August.

Safety Patrol

Designed to promote safety and service.

Girl Scouts

Students can sign-up for Girl Scouts in August.

Students will not be allowed to attend school without proper uniform attire as outlined in the Mobile County Public School Board Policy. Parents will receive a WARNING LETTER first time a student is not in compliance with our school uniform policy. IF it occurs again, parents will be called to pick-up the student or bring the appropriate uniform attire to school. Chronic violations of the uniform policy can result in suspension from school.

GIRLS:

            SHIRT/BLOUSE: GOLD POLO with collar

            BELT: Black/Brown

            SHOES: Solid White or Black Tennis Shoes (NO LOGOS OR ADDITIONAL COLORS)

            SOCKS: Navy, Black, or White (NO ANKLE SOCKS!)

            SWEATER/JACKET: Navy Blue (No other color will be allowed in the building. Students may wear heavy jackets of another color during the really cold weather, but jackets must be removed when in the building.)

PANTS, SHORTS (KNEE LENGTH), SKIRT OR JUMPER: NAVY BLUE

NO JEWELRY ALLOWED

NO MAKE-UP ALLOWED

TRADITIONAL HAIRCUTS AND STYLES ONLY: No Mohawks, hair paint, non-traditional hair dyes, hair sparkles, etc.



BOYS

SHIRT: Gold Polo with collar

BELT: Black/Brown

SHOES: Solid White or Black Tennis Shoes (NO LOGOS OR ADDITIONAL COLORS)

SOCKS: Navy, Black, or White (NO ANKLE SOCKS!)

SWEATER/JACKET: Navy Blue (No other color will be allowed in the building. Students may wear heavy jackets of another color during really cold weather, but jackets must be removed when in the building.)

PANTS, SHORTS (KNEE LENGTH): NAVY BLUE

NO JEWELRY ALLOWED

NO MAKE-UP ALLOWED

TRADITIONAL HAIRCUTS AND STYLES ONLY: No Mohawks, hair paint, non-traditional hair dyes, hair sparkles, etc.

NOTE: Students should not wear any hair style that is distracting, offensive, or interferes with the normal flow of the instructional day.

GENERAL RULES

1.      Shirts must be tucked in and a belt worn with pants or shorts.

2.      If an undershirt is worn under regular uniform shirt, it must be PLAIN WHITE. (NO WRITING).

3.      No oversize clothes – shirts, jackets, belts. NO sweat clothes.

4.      Clothes should be visibly CLEAN.

5.      No logos or inappropriate accessories allowed. (i.e. sweatband, wristbands, necklaces, large visible jewelry, etc.)

6.      Cosmetics of any kind are prohibited

7.      Shoes should be suitable for school – NO sandals, flip-flops or clogs.

8.      Uniform jackets and coats (Navy Blue)

9.      NO jewelry or make-up allowed.

Contacts

In case of an emergency, each student is required to have the following information on file:

Parent/Guardian name (s).

Complete and up-to-date address.

Home phone, work phone, cell phone and/or pager number to reach you.

Emergency telephone numbers of friends or relatives, in case you can not be reached immediately.

Physician's name and phone number.

Medical alert information.

Authorized person allowed to pick up your child (The school will not release your child to anyone not listed on the Student Enrollment Card).

Statement indicating how your child will get home (car, bus, walk, daycare van...)



It is imperative that we have an up-to date information and a working telephone number to contact you!

Students will be issued available textbooks in all subjects to be used for the current school year. Textbooks are loaned to students; therefore, it is important that students put covers on their books, do not write in their books, do not damage or lose these books. Teachers will have a book check quarterly. Parents will be notified if a student loses or damages a book prior to the end of the year. Students will not be re-issued a new textbook until the lost/damaged one is paid for.

Parents may access the school website to gain information about current school events, teacher and staff information, school policies and procedures, school calendar, etc. The website is updated monthly. 

It is important that all students at Indian Springs receive high quality instruction in an environment free from distractions and interruptions. In order for that to happen, all students are expected to follow school rules and procedures.

1.      Politely and quietly walk to the right of the hallway.

2.      Respect others and keep the school building and grounds neat and clean.

3.      Illustrate an understanding of appropriate behavior in all areas of the school building, grounds, and buses.

4.      Demonstrate self-control and good sportsmanship.

5.      Engage in behaviors that promote high academic achievement and pride in self, school, and community.


BUS RULES

1.      Stay seated while the bus is in motion.

2.      Keep hands, head, etc. inside the bus.

3.      Keep hands and feet to one’s self. (NO HITTING/KICKING/PUSHING/FIGHTING!)

4.      Sit quietly.

5.      After leaving the bus, move away from the bus immediately.

6.      No eating on the bus.

7.      Respect and follow the directions of the bus driver at all times.

Please discuss these rules with your child. STUDENTS WILL LOSE THEIR PRIVILEGE TO RIDE THE BUS FOR REFUSING TO FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS OF THE BUS DRIVER.

SCHOOL-WIDE DISCIPLINE PLAN

CORE BELIEFS

Caring relationships form the foundation for learning

Emotions affect how learning takes place and what is learned

Goal setting and problem solving provide direction and energy for learning

All students have the right to receive high quality instruction in a learning environment free from distractions and disruptions.

 
In order for our students to learn, live, and work together in a productive, safe environment, appropriate behavior is necessary. The school system, the school, and each class have established realistic and reasonable guidelines for all students to follow so that learning can take place without disruption. The Mobile County School Board has mandated a Code of Student Conduct Handbook that each student will receive at the beginning of the school year. Parents and students should read and discuss this publication. The classroom teacher through discussions with the student handles minor problems in a routine manner. Repeated disruptive incidents will be handled by an office referral. In most cases, parents will be contacted regarding unacceptable behavior. Your cooperation and understanding are essential. The schools are established for the benefit of all students. The educational purpose of the schools is accomplished best in a climate of students’ behavior that is socially acceptable and conducive to the learning and teaching process. Indian Springs has a Zero Tolerance for Fighting and Bullying. Any behavior that disrupts this process or that infringes upon the rights of other individuals will not be tolerated. Parents, your cooperation and support of our school’s discipline policy are critical to your child’s academic achievement.

CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT

Students who commit violations of the Code of Student Conduct (Board Approved) are subject to suspension. Based on the severity of the violation, students may additionally be recommended for long-term suspension; which may exceed 10 days, or expulsion (permanent removal from school).

 

Group A                                                                                                    Group B

*Excessive talking in the classroom.                                                 *Leaving classroom or campus

*Cheating and/or copying of others’ work.                                    without permission.

*Minor act of disobedience.                                                             *Acts of minor physical aggression.

*Being improperly dressed/out of uniform.                                   *Truancy.

*Tardiness to class and/or school.                                                    *Class cutting, skipping.

*Minor misbehavior on school bus.                                                 *Act of willful disobedience.

*Public display of physical affection.                                               *Possession and/or use of Electronic

*Non-participation in class: No books,                                             Communication Devices (pagers,

materials, etc.                                                                                     cellular phones, etc.).

*Infractions that are minor in nature and                                       *Possessing, selling, furnishing,  

disrupt the orderly educational process                                      giving away, distributing, transferring,

*Misuse of lunch identification number.                                        or obtaining commercial fireworks.

*Possession of nuisance items (e.g.                                                 *Possessing, selling, furnishing,

fake items: snake, spiders, etc.)                                                      giving away, distributing, transferring,

*Any other offense that the principal may                                     or obtaining a realistic toy, replica, or

Deem reasonable to fall within this category                               look-a-like gun.

of misconduct.

                                                                                                 Using obscene/profane language-whether 

                                                                                                  spoken, written or gestures.

                                                                                                  Using or possessing tobacco products.

                                                                                                  Violation of the Internet policy, includes

                                                                                                  Social media.

                                                                                                   Bullying, cyber bullying, harassing

                                                                                                   behavior which threatens the health

                                                                                                   and welfare of any person.

                                                                                                  Any other offense the principal may deem

                                                                                                   reasonable to fall in this category.

Group A offenses are cumulative by group, for each academic year. The words “2nd Offense and Subsequent Offenses” refer to and include all second and subsequent violations of any Group A offense. If the offense is committed by a special education student, please refer to the IEP. If the offense is committed by a Section 504 student, please refer to that section.

Group Boffenses are cumulative by group for each academic year. The words “2nd Offense and Subsequent Offenses” refer to and include all second or subsequent violations of any Group B offense. If the offense is committed by a special education student or a 504 student, please refer to paperwork before taking disciplinary action.

Students who commit Group A or B offenses may be placed in in-house detention instead of being suspended from school.

 
Groups C, D, & E offenses are cumulative by group. These acts of misconduct include those illegal student behaviors which most seriously disrupt the orderly educational process, in the classroom or other areas of school jurisdiction, and which may result in criminal prosecution. If the offense was committed by a special education student or a 504 student, please refer to paperwork before disciplining. Principals shall immediately inform a Resource Officer about any violation. See Student Code of Conduct handbook pages 21–31.

BUS CODE OF CONDUCT

Students who ride a MCPSS bus shall comply with the following rules and procedures or risk losing their privileges to ride the bus. Those rules and procedures are as follow:

- All rules of the Student Code of Conduct apply to conduct while waiting for, boarding, riding, or disembarking any school system vehicle.

- The Bus Driver is in charge and shall be respected and obeyed at all times.

- Use of tobacco and any other products or substances prohibited by the Student Code of Conduct are prohibited.

- Possession or use of weapons or dangerous objects is forbidden.

- Students shall not be involved in disruptive behavior. Disruptive behavior include but is not limited to:

1.      Disturbing the Bus Driver.

2.      Yelling on the bus.

3.      Rude, discourteous or annoying behavior.

4.      Entering or leaving the bus improperly.

5.      Disturbing other students.

6.      Fighting or scuffling.

7.      Damaging/vandalizing the bus.

8.      Use of profane language.

9.      Placing body parts out of the window.

10.  Eating, drinking, or littering while on the bus.

11.  The student was involved in disruptive behavior at the bus stops.

- Students shall be required to observe the order of seating as determined by the driver.

- Students shall participate in an orderly bus emergency evacuation drill on the school campus during month of September and again in January.

The following actions will be used when students do not follow bus rules or engage in behavior or activities that threaten the safety and well-being of the students and driver.

First Offense: Student/Parent/Administrator Conference

Second Offense: Student/Parent/Administrator Conference

Third Offense: Suspension from school bus. Time suspended shall be determined by the principal.

Students shall be automatically suspended from the bus on the first offense for the following reasons:

- Fighting

- Weapons

- Damage to the bus (Parents are responsible for cost of the damage to the bus).

- Any other offense the principal may deem reasonable to fall within this category of serious misconduct (MCPSS Student Code of Conduct B, C, D, or E offenses).

Volunteers are always welcome. In addition to room mothers who coordinate classroom activities, volunteers are needed to listen to students read, read to students, help with homework, go on field trips, work in the first aide room, media center, serve on telephone committees, and act as resource persons.

All students will receive a homework folder. Our upper grade students will receive a planner. Parents should get familiar with these tools. Students will be required to use both the homework folder and student planner to keep up with homework, communicate with parents, organize assignments, etc. The homework folder and planners will help to improve our students’ work habits and study skills. Parents will need to check with their children each week to determine whether or not students are actually using these tools.